Browser-Based Optical Code Decoding for Digital Document Information Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for retrieving information from barcodes in digital images are limited, especially for one-dimensional barcodes that can only store limited data, and require remote databases or camera access, while users need a way to access information from machine-readable optical codes within electronic documents without relying on camera devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a processor to receive and decode machine-readable optical codes within electronic documents, presenting the decoded information through a graphic user interface, allowing users to access information referenced by the codes directly through a browser, even from scanned hard copies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If 1D barcodes are used to encode information, then the implementation is simple and widely compatible, but the data storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional barcodes to two-dimensional barcodes to dramatically increase data storage capacity. The 2D barcode format allows encoding of longer URLs and more information within a compact visual space, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and visual complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If a remote database is used to convert barcode values into URL strings, then the URL storage capacity is extended, but the system complexity and dependency on external services increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the complete URL string directly within the 2D barcode itself, creating a self-contained encoding system. This eliminates the need for remote databases or external conversion services, as the barcode contains all necessary information to directly navigate to the destination URL.
3Ease of operation
If camera devices are required to capture and decode barcodes, then information retrieval is enabled, but the ease of operation is reduced due to device accessibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a browser-based image viewing system that automatically detects and decodes 2D barcodes within displayed images. This intermediary system allows users to retrieve information simply by viewing an image in a web browser, eliminating the need for dedicated camera devices or specialized decoding software.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for reading a machine-readable optical code encoding information formed in an image that is presented to a user. The method includes using a processor to receive the image with the machine-readable optical code; using a graphic user interface to visually present the received image on a display; using the graphic user interface to receive a user selection of the machine-readable optical code; using a processor to decode the selected machine-readable optical code; and using the graphic user interface to present information referenced by the decoded information on the display.